Anna Wood Bridal Supports Helping Harry Trust

Anna Wood of Anna Wood Bridal and her husband Aaron took part in a 3km long course in aid of local four-year-old Harry Charlesworth, who has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and has very complex needs.

Anna and Aaron were two of 400 people who flocked to Long Furlong Farm to complete the muddy obstacle course and part of the 50-strong wave of people taking part to help support Harry and his family by raising money for his ongoing care, which costs around £35,000 a year. The event raised £1052.50 in total for the charity.

Anna, who owns the bridal boutique in Long Buckby, said: “I met Harry’s grandmother at a business networking event and I heard Harry’s story. Immediately I wanted to get involved and do something to help.

“I heard about the event but, rather than just taking part, I decided to do it in a wedding dress and cause a bit of a stir! If I could get that bit more attention for doing the course in a white wedding dress, it would raise more awareness of Harry and The Helping Harry Trust. Thankfully Aaron was fully behind the idea and joined me as my groom.”

As well as taking part in the event as a bride, Anna also donated a prize of £1000 towards a wedding gown to the charity, which will be raffled off on 5th November, with tickets available from today.

Hayley Charlesworth, Harry’s mother and founder of The Helping Harry Trust, said: “We are so grateful to Anna for supporting Harry this weekend at Muddy Furlong and loved seeing her complete it in a wedding dress! To have backing like this from Anna Wood Bridal and Muddy Furlong means so much to us.

“Local businesses supporting what we are doing helps us provide Harry with life-enhancing and prolonging physiotherapy, home adaptations, equipment and care. Support like this gives us strength when times are hard. Thank you so much Anna and the rest of Harry’s team for the event and for your continued support.”

Carmel Haigh of Long Furlong Farm added: “We met Anna from Anna Wood Bridal earlier this year when launching our wedding venue at Long Furlong Farm. We welcomed the opportunity to work alongside Anna but had no idea that this would be through our Muddy Furlong event! To have Anna and Aaron taking on all the obstacles in their wedding attire was a great way to raise awareness and funds for The Helping Harry Trust and we wish them both every success with the raffle.”